Sunday, March 28, 2010

Kids birthday parties are not what we look forward to attend, but every now and then we have to (when it's close friend or relative). We are always the only childless couple listening everyone talk about their kids, schools and other child related issues. Sometimes I try to jump in to the conversation with a funny story about Miina and Moses, but usually get weird looks from people. So I've learned to look like I listen and just enjoy the good food and drinks.

As you can see the party turned wild after the music was turned on. Everyone was showing off their latest moves. Especially little Amelia in her pink dress and afro. Such a cutie pie.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

My day off started off with delicious mixed berry-vanilla soy yogurt-coconut water-acai smoothie. I've had the same Magic Bullet for about 5 years now and it's been working fine until now. Juices are leaking all over the machine because the seal has worn off completely. I think it's time for a new one, I saw one at Kohl's for just $30. This is the best for making smoothies since it requires minimal clean up because it only has few parts and it takes very little counter space.

In the afternoon I headed down to the East Village and St. Marks Place for Yoga to the People.

After yoga we rewarded ourselves and went to Klong, fun Korean restaurant/bar where we had some very berrylicious cocktails and Korean kimchi and seafood pancakes. Sooo good. St. Mark's Place was packed with high energy people.

For dessert we ventured out to Spot, pretty dessert restaurant where the desserts were just heavenly. I'll definitely come back.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Few weeks ago we went to our favorite Korean restaurant. It's one of those places in the Korean part of town where the waitresses don't speak much English and everything is very traditional, not Americanized. Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes (kapas, like Korean tapas)) that accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice.Kimchi, a fermented, spicy vegetable dish is usually served at every meal. And that's my absolute favorite.

For main course I had kimchi and vegetable stew that was so heavenly good. It's just enough spicy. They bring it to the table still sizzling and it's served with a side of rice.

This snow on the background is already gone and we're enjoying very warm weather, the kind where you can actually wear shorts and tank tops and not freeze one bit. Next weekend's project is going to be getting our yard summer ready. Get the patio furniture out, trim the bushes and do a little spring clean up. Or probably just call someone else to do it...

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Now that my favorite lunch spot Seppi's is under renovation I had to find a new homey place to be. I've heard so many good things about Le Pain Quotidien and it's right off my alley serving mostly organic and natural foods plus the decor is so cute with the farmhouse feel and communal tables. But so far I've always just walked by and never stepped in. But now that I finally did I couldn't be happier.

I ordered glass of organic rose wine (around $6) to start and delicious chicken tartine (open face sandwich) with tons of vegetables and pesto vinaigrette. For dessert I chose rice pudding made with brown rice and soy milk topped with fresh berries. I did NOT become a fan of that.

These here are souvenirs some lovely ladies from Finland brought for me. Finnish chocolate, licorice, dark rye bread, traditional pea soup, Turkish Peppers, crisp bread and not to forget about the Finnish flag so I can rep. Thank you so much sweethearts! The chocolate was finished in 2 days and it took that long because I wanted to see if "he" wanted any, but since it wasn't touched in two days I finished it myself...

Friday, March 12, 2010

Grace Hotel lounge at 45th St., New York, NY. This is where I spent few hours on Wednesday evening and really liked it. They had Happy Hour 'til 9pm; $5 beers and $8 cocktails. But it might have been because it was somebody's birthday party, not sure if they have happy hour normally.I should find out. And bring my bikinis with me the next time!

They had people doing drunken hula hooping around the pool which I was dying to try, but was able to control myself and save me from the embarrassment.

This would be fun place to spend a weekend. After a night of hard partying in the pool you could come down the next morning and detox in their two large steam rooms. And keep swimming back to the swim up bar (pictured below) to get Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Which would totally defeat the purpose of detoxing, but oh well. It's spring time and time to let loose.

Here are some bad videos of the pool party. Not too much action during early Wednesday evening, but that was quite alright. There are two things I really dislike; loud music and crowds. This one def didn't have the crowds. So I was happy.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

What a gorgeous day again. We've been blessed with warmth and sun for the past few days and boy did I miss it and need it.

During my lunch break I took the subway down to Union Square and went to check out the sunglass collection at Filene's Basement. I did not find anything what I expected (Marc Jacobs), the cutest pair I saw was Franco Sarto.I might go get them tomorrow.

Filene's has a neat view of the park and I just have to take a photo every time I go there. Even I didn't find shades I found this fabulous trench coat by Michael Kors (I used my birthday discount coupon for 20% off because I'm Filene's Insider).

And after work it was all about the family time and play time. Best time of the day.

Friday, March 5, 2010

It's my birthday and I always take the day off from work just to unwind and make a plan for the year. I'm not big on celebrating and throwing a party on my birthday, even though I like to do it for other people. On my birthday it was just me and "him". With friends I celebrate usually another day.

Mommy got me my favorite reindeer candle holder from Pentik and this fun two sided station clock that I need to find a place for. Moses is being nosy as usual.

For dinner we had some delicious Thai Mango salad, mine served with crispy tofu and "his" with shrimp. I had some Arbor Mist and cider to go with it. BTW, this is the last time I bought Arbor Mist, it has high fructose corn syrup in it. I'll just stick with regular wine, I guess. Look at that tired party cat in the middle.

But one day I wish to plan my own big party. These photos of pink parties give me tremendous inspiration. So freaking cute. These are from the archives of my computer and I'm not sure who they belong to (Maybe Martha Stewart), so sorry if I'm breaking some copyrights...

I'd have pink cupcakes and pink champagne. Pink flowers all over the place. Tea would be served from old teacups with pink flowers in them. Bartender would be whipping cosmos and other pink cocktails for the guests. Cold strawberry soup. Pink lemonade. What else is pink?